Kaveh Matinkhoo
Associate Director, Chemistry, Alpha-9 Oncology
Peptide Radiopharmaceutical Panel
Abstract
Alpha-9 Oncology is a leading clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company advancing a distinctive portfolio of targeted cancer therapies. Our bespoke molecules are designed to deliver precise, effective treatment by selectively targeting cancer cells with high tumor specificity and excellent stability.
Radiopharmaceuticals offer transformative outcomes, demonstrating impressive efficacy and safety in patients who have exhausted multiple lines of treatment. This modality enables rapid, cost-effective progression from bench to bedside. Early human studies validate target engagement and ensure robust payload delivery to tumors, significantly de-risking clinical development.
Our systematic development approach is supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and deep discovery and production expertise, facilitating efficient clinical translation and scalable manufacturing. Each Alpha-9 molecule is built from four key components – binder, linker, chelator, and radioisotope – optimized through an iterative, precision-driven design process.
At Alpha-9, we’re not just advancing cancer care – we’re illuminating new possibilities in precision medicine.
Bio
Dr. Kaveh Matinkhoo is a biotech professional with expertise in peptide and medicinal chemistry, as well as radiopharmaceutical development. He currently leads chemistry initiatives at Alpha-9 Oncology, where he directs the design and synthesis of targeted radiopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment.
Dr. Matinkhoo earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of British Columbia, where he achieved the first total synthesis of α-amanitin – a highly complex bicyclic peptide. This breakthrough laid the foundation for its application in targeted cancer therapeutics.
Throughout his career, he has led chemistry teams within cross-functional drug discovery programs, with a focus on peptide and small molecule synthesis, payload optimization, and linker development. Before joining Alpha-9, he held scientific roles at Enveric Biosciences and Sygnature Discovery (North America), contributing to the advancement of novel small molecules and peptide-based therapies for oncology and central nervous system disorders.
As a scientific leader, Dr. Matinkhoo has played a pivotal role in translating early discovery efforts into development-ready candidates. He is a co-inventor on multiple U.S. patents and has authored publications in top-tier journals, including cover articles in Journal of the American Chemical Society and Chemistry – A European Journal. His work integrates synthetic chemistry with translational oncology and precision medicine.